Senior Congress leader Mullappally Ramachandran on Thursday assumed charge as president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).
Outgoing president M.M. Hassan officially handed over the charge at a function at Indira Bhavan in the morning. Mr. Ramachandran called on Congress Working Committee (CWC) member A.K. Antony prior to arriving at Indira Bhavan.
Mr. Antony inaugurated the official function presided over by Mr. Hassan.
Later, in his speech after assuming office, Mr. Ramachandran gave a call for a second freedom struggle to defeat Hindutva forces and authoritarian forces. The Congress would adopt pro-people politics.
“Work, work, work” is our new slogan and the Congress would throw its weight behind party workers who toiled for the party without expecting any rewards. Communal forces were able to rear their heads when the Congress became weak. Narendra Modi could become Prime Minister because of the division among democratic and secular forces, he said.
Mr. Hassan said there were two groups in the party — those who were functional and those who were non-functional. The KPCC now has a leadership which can energise party cadres.
Congress general secretary Oommen Chandy expressed confidence that Mr. Ramachandran would be able to lead the party from the front.
Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said the induction of Mr. Ramachandran would give fresh energy to the party.
The three working presidents K. Sudhakaran, M.I. Shanavaz and Kodikunnil Suresh also assumed office along with campaign committee chairman K. Muraleedharan.